Search
  1. Home
  2. INTERESTING FACTS
  3. MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES IN WORLD FOR EXPATS 2020
The 7 Most Expensive Cities In The World For Expats 2020

The 7 Most Expensive Cities In The World For Expats 2020

Sarah Clayton-Lea | | 1 minute Read

One trend that’s here to stay is remote working, as people all across the world (and their employers) realise that it’s not always necessary to have an office base. With that in mind, we’re sure many people are considering upping sticks to a new city once travel restrictions ease. Keep in mind prices though! A new study of the most expensive cities for expats will help you plan.

Mercer’s 26th annual Cost of Living Survey reveals the most – and least- expensive cities for expats around the world. Hong Kong tops the list of most expensive cities for expatriates, followed by Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in second position.

How does it work? Well, New York City is used as the base city for all comparisons and currency movements are measured against the US dollar. The survey includes over 400 cities throughout the world; this year’s ranking includes 209 cities across five continents and measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment.

Most Expensive Cities In The World For Expats

1. Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

2. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

3. Tokyo, Japan

4. Zurich, Switzerland

5. Singapore, Singapore

6. New York City, United States

7. Shanghai, China

As for the least expensive cities in the world? These are Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Windhoek in Namibia and Tunis in Tunisia. You can see the full list here.

Sarah Clayton-Lea Photo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

MOST POPULAR

SIMILAR ARTICLES

newsletter